Caltrans Preps For What Could Be Worst Storm In Years
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – Many northern California residents are bracing for what may be the worst storm the area has seen in years. The storm ahead could blow away the wet weather seen last week that brought massive flooding to three different counties, with those dangerous conditions likely to make a return.
CBS 13's Ian Schwartz says the system is set to slam the area on Thursday and Friday.
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"If you look at years past and compare this setup to storms of the past, it's a pretty strong storm and we haven't seen something like this in several years. If all the elements come together we could be dealing with a major storm. It's gonna be getting a lot of moisture from the subtropics, kind of one of those atmospheric rivers -- that moisture is gonna be pumped right into our region. We're talking several of inches of rain for the Valley, but that's not it -- other threats we're concerned about are going to be damaging winds, flooding and mudslides. There's a whole bag of things we gotta worry about with this thing," he said.
WATCH: Ian Schwartz's Forecast For Storm
Schwartz believes the heavy rain will begin Thursday morning, but exact timing may change as the week progresses.
"It's gonna be a very, very wet day Thursday. Most of the day Thursday is gonna be wet through northern California and we're gonna continue with that rain as we get into Friday," said Schwartz. "What are we talking about as far as these impacts? Intense winds 40 to 60 mph, downed trees, power outages, we could 2 to 5 inches of rain in the valley, flooding, traffic mess, and rivers and creeks will likely rise."
Areas in the Sierra and the foothills could see similar conditions, but between five and 10 inches of rain is possible, along with flash flooding and mudslides. "We could see one to two feet of snow above 6,000 feet," added Schwartz.
Transportation officials are hoping to get a leg up on the expected storm, with last week's rain setting the pace.
Last week, a heavy downpour that only lasted a couple of hours flooded part of a freeway. And now, Sacramento officials are gearing up for this next round of rain that's supposed to be even more intense.
On Wednesday evening, a power surge caused a pump to malfunction on Interstate 80 near Watt Avenue.
The flooding caused major traffic delays and forced drivers to maneuver through several inches of water.
"So it knocked out the pumps for a couple hours. In that length of time, flooding was occurring and it took us a little while to have the water recede back," said Caltrans spokeswoman Deanna Shoopman.
Shoopman said those pumps are installed in trouble spots like underpasses, helping speed up the drainage process during heavy downpours.
The one that failed was checked the day before and was working fine, Shoopman said.
"Everything in working order, and as long as they are all in working order there's nothing we can do until it happens," Shoopman said.
Strong gusts of winds are also expected with the upcoming storm that could snap tree limbs.
"We have a tree crew that they can dispatch at a moment's notice," Shoopman said. "Let's say a big tree comes across the roadway; then they are able to go out, cut it up and get it moved off the roadway."
Several inches of snow is also possible.
Shoopman said to make sure to have your snow chains, your car tires are in good condition and be prepared for delays.
"You definitely want to take a flashlight, blankets, water – anything like that to take in your vehicle. Just be prepared for the worst; you never know how long it will take you to get across the summit," Shoopman said.
Whether its rain, wind or snow, this coming storm could pack a punch. So Shoopman said to plan ahead.
"If one section of a highway is flooded, have an alternate route planned. Be able to get to and from school or work a different way."
Caltrans crews are reportedly already hard at work clearing drains of any debris along the interstates and major roadways.
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